Re: Calculating orbits

"Terry B" <bohlsen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in
news:gnrJg.20600$rP1.7341@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx:

Dear All
I was wondering how you calculate orbits. I can put orbital elements on
SkymapPro and generate the position of an asteroid etc but how do you do
the reverse?

Karl Gauss figured out a method for doing this way back when. I believe his
method is still commonly used. From memory you need at least three separate
observations to calculate the orbital elements. There is lots of software
around that will do the necessary calculations. Project Pluto have a
program called ORB:

http://www.projectpluto.com/find_orb.htm

Klazmon.




i.e. I photograph an object like a comet or asteroid over some time and
reduce the positions. With this info how do you work out the orbital
parameters? How many observations are needed over what range of the
orbit? Thanks all

Terry B
Armidale
Australia




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Relevant Pages

  • Calculating orbits
    ... I was wondering how you calculate orbits. ... I can put orbital elements on ... SkymapPro and generate the position of an asteroid etc but how do you do the ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)
  • Re: Calculating orbits
    ... I was wondering how you calculate orbits. ... I can put orbital elements on ... I haven't stumbled on the project pluto site before. ... Terry B ...
    (sci.astro.amateur)